Barcoding News

Customers Can Seamlessly Integrate Scanned Data Into Apple iOS Applications

Socket Mobile announced the availability of its latest Socket Bluetooth Cordless Hand Scanner (CHS) Series 7, which has been certified by Apple as a “Made for iPad, iPhone, iPod” accessory.

The CHS 7Xi and its antimicrobial equivalent, the CHS 7XiRx, have been tested and approved by Apple to meet all of their performance standards, assuring a seamless and reliable integration for developers who incorporate either of these Bluetooth barcode scanning options into their iOS applications.

The CHS 7Xi and 7XiRx and the associated SocketScan 10 software development kit (SDK) are highly versatile barcode scanning tools that enable developers to add commercial-grade rapid and robust barcode scanning capabilities to their iOS devices. The SDK also supports many other smartphone, tablet, notebook and desktop applications.

“This is the best performing barcode scanner for developers who are creating applications incorporating barcode scanning for the Apple iOS,” said Samantha Chu, data collection product manager at Socket Mobile. “There are numerous applications that stand to benefit from barcode scanning in a range of vertical markets, and we believe the CHS 7Xi provides the Apple developer community with a level of control and data integrity that didn’t exist previously.”

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Misperceptions about 2D imagers are changing fast, which is why 2D imagers are the fastest-growing category of barcode readers. Only a few years ago 2D imagers were (wrongly) considered a niche technology mostly used for reading 2D barcodes. Now they are becoming the technology of choice for most barcode applications, and lasers are on the way to becoming a niche technology. The reasons: 2D imagers are as fast or faster than laser scanners, can read all the same barcodes as lasers plus 2D symbols that lasers can’t, and can do much more.

Not only can 2D imagers read more barcodes than lasers – including QR Codes, Data Matrix and other popular 2D symbols – they can also do more than read barcodes. Imagers can take digital pictures, shoot video, capture customer signatures,
scan documents and even process the scanned data. These capabilities, which are outlined in the graphic below, enable new business processes that are not possible with older-generation technology. In an era where workers are tasked with doing more – collecting more information, providing more documentation, being more productive, etc. – 2D imagers provide more flexibility.

2D imaging technology gives businesses the two things they need most from their barcode readers: outstanding performance in today’s applications, and investment protection to meet future needs. This white paper is a guide to 2D barcode imaging technology, including an overview of capabilities and how 2D imagers perform in traditional applications, the beneficial new business processes that imaging enables, and the advantages 2D imaging provides compared to laser scanners.

Analyst Insight
“In 2008, laser scanners were the preferred handheld solution. However, the proportion of users planning subsequent investment in laser scanners is disproportionately lower than in other faster growing product categories i.e., linear and 2D imaging solutions. Imaging is expected to emerge as the fastest growing technology segment.”

VDC Research Group, 2009

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UGN Auto installs noise reduction headliners into cars of all makes and models. They use parts to help verify the correct components and where they need to be installed. With an automated system already in place to verify the correct colors, UGN wanted to make it even more efficient. Barcodes Inc recommended machine vision technology to make the process as simple as possible and helped UGN implement Cognex Checkers to take pictures of these components for fast and easy verification and quality assurance – speeding up the process, boosting efficiency, and enhancing productivity at UGN.

Account Manager: Patrick Martin

Hitachi Global Storage originally called Barcodes Inc about purchasing barcode scanners to read datamatrix codes on their manufactured hard drives in order to track them. Barcodes Inc supplied them with Microscan Quadrus EZ CCD scanners and even helped them set up their new solution by remoting into Hitachi’s computer network and installing the scanners into their existing system for them. With the Microscan Quadrus EZ’s, Hitachi is now able to scan at the speeds they require and have increased both their productivity and efficiency while reducing manual errors they were experiencing in the past.

Sales Engineer: Elliott Van Fleet

ADE Automatización Y Diseños, in Mexico, needed a ruggedized 2D scanner to track printed circuit board (PCB) components used for custom built electronics in their automated machine solutions. Barcodes Inc not only provided ADE with Datalogic Matrix scanners for their solution but also integrated the scanners into their current system for them. With a custom software suite, the scanners can now initiate and report data back to their host system. Barcodes Inc helped automate the automation experts.

Sales Engineer: Greg Hamilton

American Metal Recycling Services Inc (AMRS) combines mobile computers and custom software developed by Barcodes Inc to maintain better control and accountability of their assets and tools.

Executive Summary

AMRS is a leading innovator in the material recycling market. As part of their business process, there are assets and tools used to refine, process, and reuse the materials they salvage. AMRS was in search of a solution that would improve management of these tools and assets. BarcodesInc successfully developed a software and hardware solution to address inefficiencies, lost product, wasted time inherent in their previous asset management tracking system.

The Business Challenge

AMRS was looking for a solution to track the whereabouts of all of their tools and machinery throughout a fifty acre campus with multiple buildings and outside storage locations. The solution would allow AMRS to locate items in a more efficient manner saving man hours, time, and money.

The success of the project was contingent on attaining AMRS’s 7 main objectives:

• Track an unlimited number of assets
• Accurately manage the check out and return process for tools, equipment and consumables
• Monitor and schedule maintenance as required
• Improve operating efficiencies
• Maximize the use of the current assets and avoid overstock or duplication of tools, equipment and consumables
• Recapture tooling costs by billing for usage

Solution

In response to AMRS’s needs, Barcodes Inc developed a custom software solution which enabled AMRS to successfully complete all objectives. The Motorola MC9090 mobile computer was chosen as the device to deploy and implement the software application, chosen because of its ultra-rugged form factor and data capture and communication features.

For the project implementation process, AMRS applied barcode labels to all of their tools, work locations, and storage areas. Next, they created and implemented the following process for anyone using a piece of equipment. An engineer must have an MC9090 to use a piece of equipment. To use it, they must sign into the unit with their unique user name and password, scan the code of the equipment that they need into their register book or online, go to the location of the unit, scan the equipment in receive mode, and finally scan their location in drop mode once they have arrived to their manufacturing location.

This allowed them to manage and track all of their items in an effective manner, and added a new layer of accountability to their process.

Benefits

After a successful training, AMRS saw an ROI on the project within the first eight months of implementation due to the cost savings and efficiency improvements. They also enjoyed peace of mind through effective, easy-to-use monitoring, tracking and locating of their valuable assets.

The Future

The Barcodes Inc solution has provided AMRS with an efficient working system. AMRS has referred Barcodes Inc to their parent company that is evaluating the process and is looking at implementing this nationwide.

Growmark, an IL based regional agricultural cooperative, offers their clients a safe and effective way to track chemical tanks used in the field to refill sites by means of the HT630 and BarcodesInc customized software.

Executive Summary

Growmark has many clients who lease tanks to farmers to store and spread chemicals for their crops. The clients purchase the chemicals from Growmark and then sell them to their customers. However, Growmark had trouble tracking which chemicals go where and when maintenance needed to be conducted. A lack of cleaning and maintenance could result in the wrong chemicals being mixed, thus producing an unsafe reaction, which would then affect the yield of the crop.

The Business Challenge

Growmark needed a simple application to enable them to track their clients’ chemical tanks that they leased for storage in the crop fields. There were three issues at hand. The first issue was accurately recording the tank identification numbers that were painted on and were now unreadable due to wear and tear from the harsh environments. Secondly, recording the tank locations was a manual process and often done incorrectly. Finally, identifying which chemicals were in each tank at what time was also being conducted manually, but often led to human errors. Each of these issues led to safety concerns and inventory loss.

Solution

Growmark turned to Barcodes Inc to replace the pen and paper data collection process that was resulting in too many human errors with the introduction of barcode labels, a mobile computer, and a customized Barcodes Inc software application. Growmark was supplied with pre-printed black barcodes on high tack polyester labels with ultraviolet (UV) coating to survive harsh environments including chemicals and weather.

Barcodes Inc then created a two-part custom software application that runs on a Unitech HT630 mobile computer to track the tanks as they are being checked in and out of each respective facility. Once the chemical tank was leased to the end-user, the software application on the mobile computer would prompt the user to enter the tank number, location, and type of chemical. This allowed Growmark to account for all of their tanks and have knowledge of what chemicals were residing in each tank in order to identify a maintenance and cleaning schedule for each respective container; thus eliminating any hazardous or safety concerns with the crops.

Benefits

By using the Unitech HT630 and Barcodes Inc custom application, Growmark’s clients were able to adequately track the chemical purchases and locations of their tanks while minimizing human error and safety issues.

The Future

The Barcodes Inc solution was deployed to Growmark’s customers around the world to enable them to track their customers’ leased chemical tanks.

Mobile Computer and Custom Software Solution solves internal check processing system problem.

Executive Summary

DST Output came to Barcodes Inc in search of a hardware and software solution that would eliminate errors in their internal check processing system while improving efficiency. The company was interested in automating all of their manual forms and reports while using OCR scanning technology to input check numbers into their database.

The Business Challenge

DST Output prints, mails and electronically delivers bills, statements and other transactional documents for many of the largest financial services, communications, insurance, healthcare, and utilities companies in the world.

At their South Windsor, Connecticut location, internal check processing was being conducted manually. The checks were tracked and entered into various reports by hand. This inefficient process resulted in a loss of productivity, as well as a larger amount of human errors. The errors produced lost revenue and dissatisfied customers.

DST Output was in search of a quicker, more efficient solution to track their internal check processing while eliminating human error.

Solution

In an effort to both reduce error and increase efficiency by automating DST Output’s internal check processing system, Barcodes Inc recommended a solution that included a combination of mobile computing and custom software.

The solution would create digital versions of DST Output’s forms and reports that would integrate directly with their internal databases. A mobile version of the software would operate on a mobile computer that could scan check numbers into the application, thus reducing the human error aspect of inputting the wrong numbers into a pen and paper format.

Since the checks incorporated OCR fonts, Barcodes Inc recommended the Honeywell Dolphin 6500, which is capable of scanning OCR technology. The Dolphin 6500 was also a good option for DST Output due to their requirement for a larger screen size, which allowed for Barcodes Inc to create a custom application that would reproduce the newly automated forms onto a mobile computer screen.

Benefits

After successful development of the custom software application and delivery of the Honeywell mobile computers, DST Output has begun rollout of their new fully automated check issuance system.

This new solution not only eliminates human error created when entering check numbers by hand, but also speeds up the check issuance process.

The Future

Barcodes Inc continues to provide custom solutions that combine software applications with mobile hardware and help companies around the world reduce error while increasing efficiency – in the end saving companies both time and money.

The Brooklyn Public Library System Ensures Accurate Tracking of Library Assets with Barcodes Inc’s Mobile Scan & Print System.

Executive Summary

The Brooklyn Public Library was looking for a way to maximize productivity by enabling librarians and staff to replace damaged labels on their books. The Barcodes Inc solution takes the task – normally handled by a desktop PC, monitor, and a full-sized desktop printer on a cumbersome cart – and pares it down to a lightweight barcode scanner and hip-mounted mobile printer. Barcodes Inc installs customized and pre-programmed version of their Scan and Print firmware to ensure the barcode scanner and mobile printer are communicating.

The Business Challenge

The library had been looking for an efficient approach to keep their stacks up-to-date and in good order. Due to wear and tear, the barcode labels on books wear over time; making it difficult to track the books in real-time without having to reproduce stickers. The Brooklyn Public Library turned to a cart-style solution that included a desktop printer, connected to a battery placed on a wheeled computer cart. The librarians would then maneuver the loaded cart down the aisle, scan a barcode and replace the sticker via the desktop printer.

The Brooklyn Public Library soon learned that their cart solution resulted in a physically heavier load for the staff to carry and a loss of productivity from the amount of time it took to replace all barcode labels. They decided to invest in a lighter and quicker solution using the newest wireless technology. In this case, using a software-ready mobile computer would’ve been too cost prohibitive. Therefore, they turned to Barcodes Inc for help.

Solution

Taking into consideration the current systems the library had in place, Barcodes Inc provided an all-in-one package that would supplant the current bulky setup. The older technology simply could not be applied to newer hardware in an effective way. Barcodes Inc recommended the new line of Zebra P4T mobile printers, which incorporates mobile ruggedness and functionality, and rugged synthetic thermal transfer labels which can withstand the periodic handling of the staff or the daily abuse of the borrower. Barcodes Inc combined that printer with the Motorola LS4278 Bluetooth barcode scanner, which offers advanced programming features onboard that would make pre-configuration easy. Barcodes Inc uploaded the scan and print firmware necessary to pair the devices in order to work together in a wireless environment.

Barcodes Inc designed a solution to merge the capabilities of Motorola barcode scanners and Zebra mobile printers to create a lightweight, simplistic, and time-efficient way of replacing barcode stickers on library books.

Benefits

After customizing and pre-configuring the hardware to the library’s standards, Barcodes Inc deployed the solution to their location.

The new solution allows the Brooklyn Public Library staff to pick up a pre-configured Zebra printer and Motorola scanner, walk down aisles with a lighter load, and reprint damaged labels while significantly cutting down on time and hassle over previous solutions.

The Future

The Barcodes Inc solution was exactly what the Brooklyn Public Library had hoped for. It was so well-received that multiple scan and print kits have already been deployed to over twenty public libraries.

The Center for Toxicology and Environmental Health (CTEH) Use Mobile Computers to Provide Disaster Relief For Gulf of Mexico Oil Spills.

Executive Summary

The CTEH was in search of finding a device with GPS locating capabilities for rapid response teams to capture time sensitive data out in the field. The solution uses the camera and GPS radio of a MC55 mobile computer to capture data at the oil spill sites and relaying all of the information to a database at headquarters.

The Business Challenge

CTEH is a science-based consulting firm established to provide toxicology and environmental health consulting services to the public and private sectors. With the disaster of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill and the rapid spread of oil, immediate actions were required. CTEH needed to scan employee badges on the device and deploy the individuals at various locations along the coast line in order to capture the magnitude of the oil spill.

CTEH was unsure of how to quickly collect critical information with individuals scattered all across the coast line, while preserving as much time as possible. They decided to reach out to Barcodes Inc to identify a solution that can collect and send the data wirelessly so that a proper evaluation can be made.

Solution

In response to CTEH, Barcodes Inc recommended the Motorola MC55 mobile computer, which possesses a GPS radio and camera. The individuals located on the coast were able to capture images, while being tracked with GPS to maximize productivity. The built-in imaging scanner allowed technicians to scan their employee badges for quick log-ins. Additionally, the device was lightweight and portable, thus allowing the technicians to carry more necessities on their person.

Barcodes Inc suggested a specific configuration of the MC55 mobile computer in order to fulfill CTEH’s other requirement of streamlining data to their headquarters. With the use of mobile data connectivity over a cellular network, the data was received quickly from any location, thus saving time and allowing the right people to make educated decisions with the information captured.

Benefits

After coordinating for overnight delivery of the mobile computers to the respective locations, CTEH was capable of quickly responding and evaluating the oil spill. With the solution provided they were able to double proficiency of data and eliminate hundreds of hours of manpower.

The Future

The Barcodes Inc solution, which includes an advanced mobile computer, has been incorporated into several first responder agencies. With the ever-evolving geo-tracking technology, agencies can now respond quicker in emergency cases, thus saving money, time, and possibly lives.